Kamala Harris to unveil vice president choice soon: Who is on the short list?

United States Vice President Kamala Harris is on the brink of announcing her running mate for the upcoming presidential election. The decision is expected to be unveiled by Tuesday next week, with Harris and her chosen candidate scheduled to kick off their campaign tour in Philadelphia.

The tour will include visits to key swing states such as Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada, underscoring the campaign’s belief in an expanded electoral map since Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee after US President Joe Biden’s sudden withdrawal from the race.

Who are the final contenders?

Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Governor

One of the leading contenders is Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. With his roots in the Philadelphia suburbs, Shapiro is seen as a strategic choice, given Pennsylvania’s 19 crucial electoral votes.

His recent activities, including campaigning alongside Harris in Pennsylvania and highlighting his support for Harris while criticising Trump’s running mate, US Senator JD Vance of Ohio, suggest he is positioning himself as a strong vice-presidential candidate, reported Politico.

Notably, Shapiro has praised Harris as “a tough-as-nails prosecutor” and refrained from commenting on his potential nomination, stating, “The vice president has a very deeply personal decision to make right now… I trust she will make that decision on her own terms when she is ready.” If selected and victorious, Shapiro would be the first Jewish vice president of the United States.

Mark Kelly, Arizona Senator

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly is another prominent name in the mix. A former Navy combat pilot and NASA astronaut, Kelly’s impressive resume and moderate political stance could appeal to a wide range of voters.

Despite his relatively recent entry into the US Senate in December 2020, Kelly has gained national recognition. His marriage to Gabby Giffords, a former US congresswoman and prominent advocate for gun safety laws, adds a compelling personal narrative to his candidacy.

When asked about his potential vice-presidential candidacy by CBS News, Kelly responded, “It ain’t about me.” His strong stance on border security and occasional critiques of the Biden administration might attract independent and conservative voters.

Andy Beshear, Kentucky Governor

Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky has been a longtime ally of Harris and is considered a potential pick. Beshear, 46, has carved out a successful career in a state that strongly supported Trump in the last election.

His outspoken criticism of JD Vance and his defence of the Appalachian region highlight his appeal to voters. Beshear’s commitment to public education and reproductive rights, along with his open discussion of his Christian faith, add to his profile. He has been vocal about his disdain for Vance, calling him a “phony” and “fake” for his portrayal of the region’s people in his book “Hillbilly Elegy.”

Tim Walz, Minnesota Governor

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a former National Guard member and high school teacher, is known for his straightforward approach. Walz has gained attention for his comments on Trump and Vance, describing them as “weird.”

His leadership during the 2020 protests over George Floyd’s death, including deploying the National Guard to maintain order, demonstrated his crisis management skills. While Minnesota is not considered a swing state, Walz’s small-town Midwestern sensibility could appeal to independent and conservative voters.

Pete Buttigieg, US Transportation Secretary

Pete Buttigieg, the current US Transportation Secretary and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, is another top contender. Buttigieg gained national prominence during his 2020 presidential campaign, appealing to liberal voters with his articulate communication skills.

He has been a visible figure in recent weeks, appearing on shows like “Real Time with Bill Maher” and criticising JD Vance for his opportunistic political stance. Buttigieg’s experience handling public crises, such as the East Palestine train derailment and the Baltimore Bridge collapse, showcases his capabilities in crisis management.

What is behind Harris’ campaign tour strategy?

The Harris campaign is set to launch a significant tour across battleground states, starting in Philadelphia. The choice of Philadelphia as the first stop has led to speculation about the potential announcement of Shapiro as the running mate, though a campaign aide has advised against reading too much into the choice of the city, reported Politico.

The tour will continue through other key states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada. This will be the first major campaign swing since Harris assumed the role of presumptive nominee, following Biden’s departure.

Harris’s decision-making process for selecting her vice-presidential candidate is ongoing, with interviews for potential candidates planned in the coming days.

As the campaign gears up for the Democratic National Convention on August 19 in Chicago, the announcement of the vice-presidential pick is anticipated to galvanise supporters and clarify the Democratic ticket’s strategy leading into the November election.

Also Read: Kamala Harris’ advent infuses energy and hope in Democrats, but is it too late?

With inputs from agencies